Smoking increases the risk and worsens the progression of many dermatological diseases.

(Dong Nai) - Cigarettes have long been considered an "enemy" of cardiovascular and respiratory health. And according to dermatologists, cigarettes also have negative effects on the skin.

However, in reality, dermatological diseases are often underestimated, even though this is one of the organs that is most directly and persistently affected.

Not quitting smoking: Psoriasis is difficult to control.

Every time the weather changes, especially during cold and dry periods, Mr. NHH (65 years old, residing in Trang Bom commune, Dong Nai province) suffers a severe relapse of psoriasis, leaving him exhausted and unable to eat or sleep properly. For the past two weeks, the skin lesions have spread and become more itchy, forcing him to visit the hospital for examination and treatment with oral and topical medications as prescribed by his doctor.

“Almost every year, around this time, I suffer and am stressed because of this disease. There are nights when I itch all over my body, and I almost stay awake all night scratching. The more I scratch, the more my skin burns, the patches thicken, crack, and ulcerate, and in some places even bleed,” Mr. H shared.

According to Mr. H., the itching and burning not only exhausted him but also severely affected his mental state. Each time the condition worsened, he became irritable, suffered from insomnia, had poor appetite, and his health deteriorated significantly. During the day, due to lack of sleep, he was always tired and lethargic, lacking the energy to work or carry out daily activities as before. Getting dressed became a nightmare, as even slight friction against the affected skin caused pain. Furthermore, the peeling skin and white scales covering his bedding and clothes made Mr. H. feel self-conscious, hesitant to go anywhere, and reluctant to meet friends and acquaintances.

According to dermatologists, smoking also has negative effects on the skin. Photo: Bich Nhan.

During the medical history taking, the doctors noted a significant factor: Mr. H. had a long-standing smoking habit that he had not been able to quit. On average, he smoked about half a pack of cigarettes a day. This was considered one of the important reasons why his psoriasis frequently flared up and was difficult to control.

According to Dr. Bui Thi Thu Thao, Head of the Aesthetics Department at Dong Nai Provincial Dermatology Hospital, cold, dry weather creates favorable conditions for psoriasis to easily trigger acute flare-ups. In addition, some patients have photosensitivity to psoriasis, and the condition can worsen with increased sun exposure. Furthermore, the use of alcohol, beer, and tobacco are factors that complicate the disease's progression.

“Psoriasis is a disease that is very ‘incompatible’ with tobacco. Clinical evidence shows that psoriasis patients who smoke are more prone to acute flare-ups, have more severe skin lesions, respond less well to treatment, and experience faster skin aging. When suffering from psoriasis, patients experience prolonged discomfort, insomnia, and psychological stress, leading many into a vicious cycle: the more stressed they are, the more they smoke, and the more severe the disease becomes, the more stress they experience. This is also why controlling risk factors and changing lifestyle plays a crucial role in the treatment of psoriasis,” shared Dr. Thao.

According to Dr. Thao, quitting smoking is particularly effective for psoriasis patients. When smoking is stopped, skin lesions tend to improve, remission periods are longer, and the risk of relapse is reduced. Dr. Thao emphasized: “We always advise patients to quit smoking if they want their condition to improve. If they cannot quit immediately, they should gradually reduce the amount to allow their bodies to adapt. For those who have smoked for many years, stopping abruptly can be difficult and psychologically stressful, so they must have a suitable quitting plan.”

Smoking is linked to a range of dermatological conditions.

Dr. Thao further explained: Cigarette smoke is an "allergen" for many dermatological diseases, increasing the risk of skin darkening, causing the skin to age faster, and even more severely than the effects of sunlight. Clinical evidence shows that many patients have rough, wrinkled, and inelastic skin due to the effects of smoking, mostly men.

Dr. Tran Thi Vinh, a specialist in Dermatology (Internal Medicine Department) at Hoan My Dong Nai Hospital, added: Exposure to cigarette smoke, whether from active smoking or passive inhalation, significantly damages the skin. The toxins in cigarette smoke constrict blood vessels under the skin, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that nourish skin cells. This weakens the skin, dulls it, accelerates aging, and makes it more susceptible to skin diseases.

"The skin is one of the first organs to show the harmful effects of tobacco. Many people haven't even developed serious internal diseases yet, but their skin has already deteriorated noticeably. In many cases, tobacco is not the sole cause, but it 'silently' makes the disease progress more severely, making it harder to control and less responsive to treatment," Dr. Vinh stated.

Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke helps keep skin healthier. (In the photo: Treatment of melasma at the Dong Nai Provincial Dermatology Hospital. Photo: Bich Nhan)

Studies show that tobacco affects the skin through various mechanisms: causing vasoconstriction, reducing oxygen and nutrients to the skin; inhibiting collagen synthesis; slowing down tissue regeneration; and disrupting and abnormally activating the immune system. These mechanisms are why dermatological diseases in smokers are often persistent, prone to recurrence, and require longer treatment times compared to non-smokers.

According to Dr. Vinh, hidradenitis suppurativa is one of the dermatological diseases clearly linked to tobacco use. It is common in long-term smokers, with recurring pustular lesions in the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. “Quitting smoking offers clear benefits, helping the condition improve faster and reducing the risk of recurrence. Besides medication and proper skin care, quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke are also crucial factors in controlling and preventing many dermatological diseases,” Dr. Vinh advises.

Dermatologists believe that quitting smoking not only protects the heart and lungs but is also one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy skin and improve the effectiveness of treatment for chronic skin conditions.

Bich Nhan

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202512/thuoc-la-lam-tang-nguy-co-va-tien-trien-nang-nhieu-benh-da-lieu-2bc136a/